Instead it is Freddie’s brother Billy who stands to lose out from the playmaker’s decision to head to Kingsholm - taken after consultation with Red Rose boss Eddie Jones.

Gloucester are at best a mid-table team, albeit one which has Champions Cup rugby next season despite a hugely disappointing end to the campaign which saw them finish outside the top-six and throw away a winning lead in the European Challenge Cup final.

“It’s no secret that I want to continue my international career for as long as possible," he said today. "The only way I can do that is by putting my best foot forward in club rugby and helping Saints fight their way back into contention for silverware.

“There’s a real buzz around Franklin’s Gardens at the moment with the arrival of Chris Boyd, a new coaching team being put in place and a number of top-quality players also joining the squad. I can’t wait to get started in Black, Green and Gold."